Are attempts to have impaired children justifiable?

J Med Ethics. 2002 Oct;28(5):286-8. doi: 10.1136/jme.28.5.286.

Abstract

In a recent case, artificial insemination was employed by a couple in an attempt to ensure the birth of a deaf child. In response to this, I argue that individuals should not be allowed to select for or against deafness. While I establish that preferences for deaf children can be inherently just, allowing individuals to secure these preferences may have unacceptable consequences for existing persons who are deaf. I show that these follow even granting this couple's contestable understanding of the deaf as a minority group.

MeSH terms

  • Attitude to Health*
  • Child
  • Child Welfare / ethics
  • Choice Behavior / ethics*
  • Deafness*
  • Disabled Children*
  • Female
  • Homosexuality, Female / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Mothers / psychology*
  • Pregnancy
  • United States